Wow. I find myself in complete and utter disbelief that you can even begin to suggest that the only reason I got into Dartmouth was the I went there undergrad. Thinking about it, I wonder why you even bothered to apply to a school that according to you just lets people in... My apologies to everyone else. I promise Im not normally this rude.
It is true Dartmouth takes a fair number of us that have attended undergrad there, approx. 7 alums per entering class. And 7 spots normally are reserved for residents of NH and Maine since they dont have their own medical school. But need I remind you, 35-45% of the class is generally reserved for international students and underrepresented minorities. I guess, what Im saying is, as the admissions office will tell you, Dartmouth is a niche school and builds its class to fill these particular niches. But, everyone who matriculates there is extremely qualified to be there. I feel so lucky to have gotten a spot in the entering class. I mean honestly, applying as an alum and knowing that there are only 7 spots for alumni, it was incredibly stressful. My interview day alone there were 9 alums interviewed and many with much better numbers than mine. So, I hoped and prayed for a spot, but did I think I would get one simply because I was an alum. No.
So... I will tell you my story, but first let me tell you that a friend of mine who was waitlisted called the admissions office last week asking what she could do to heighten her chances of coming off the waitlist. They told her that there really was nothing she could do. That admission to the school wasnt just about grades, MCAT, publications, but was about who you were as a person and where you would fit into their class and you cant change who you are. They told her that Dartmouth tries to build a cohesive diverse class. That everyone is offered a seat for a particular reason- they are from a certain location, are underrepresented, are special in some way... if that person doesnt accept their seat, then they look at the entire waitlist and find someone with similiar qualities and offer that person a spot... So, really you cant alter your chances. Everyone is qualified who is on the waitlist, it just depends what they are looking for.
Ok.. so my story. I am indeed a Dartmouth alum. I was an 03 but graduated in 04 and had a less than stellar undergrad academic record. I didnt think there was any hope of getting into med school at that point, so I decided to work in the medical field. I spent 4 years working full-time at Dartmouth Hitchcock as a nuclear medicine technologist, seeing patients on my own and performing diagnostic testing. I also did some research for the dept of Nuclear Cardiology. I have been certified in EKGs, cardiac stress testing, EMT-basic, EMT-intermediate... I then moved to Boston and did a Masters in Biomedical Science at Tufts at the recommendation of two different deans at DMS who I had asked for advice on how to improve my application. I was number 2 in my program. Had a 3.98 masters GPA and was invited to teach biochem small group to their med students this fall. I have a 33 MCAT. And I consider Dartmouth my home even though Im currently living in Boston and working in the ED at MAss General Hosp. Some of my best friends and greatest mentors have come from DHMC and I cant wait to get back to working with them.
So.. why tell you this.
#1 to make a point to the previous poster that I am definitely qualified to be at DMS
#2 to let you know that no matter what happens this year with your application, follow your heart and you will get in eventually. I was told by the Dartmouth career services office 8 years ago, I would never get into medical school- now I will be a DMS student... you can do it... and you dont have to do it the traditional way either.
#3 Be honest. I told the admissions committee that Dartmouth was my home and that I had learned the meaning of medicine and a life of service at DHMC. I told them that I had been part of their team for a long time and would do anything to attend DMS. I also told them all about my personal struggle with depression and the ways my life had changed in the last five years. I told them who I was and what I could bring to their class.
Ok.. I dont know what to say. I feel blessed to be returning to Hanover in the fall. I know Ive earned my spot. You dont know me... but Ive accomplished alot in the last five years. Before you judge all the Dartmouth alums and NH/ME residents- give them a chance. You may realize we are incredible people too.